Expanded Gambling To Be Sought

Palm Beach County Commissioner Says Area Needs Jobs, Taxes

December 6, 2009|By Andy Reid Staff Writer

Palm Beach County wants to be a bigger player in Florida's growing gambling industry.

State law already allows slot machines and other expanded gambling in neighboring Broward, and the Palm Beach County Commission wants the same opportunities for local gaming facilities such as the Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm Beach.

The county also opposes the latest version of Gov. Charlie Crist's proposed gambling deal with the Seminoles, which would allow expanded gaming at the tribe's casinos without allowing similar opportunities in Palm Beach County and other pari-mutuels in South Florida.

To put the Palm Beach Kennel Club at a disadvantage "is a crime," said Commission Chairman Burt Aaronson. He supports expanding gambling statewide to help boost the economy.

Critics say expanded gambling could lead to crime increases and fuel gambling addictions that worsen economic hardships for those who are struggling.

But from the state lottery to Seminole casinos, gambling is growing in Florida, Aaronson said. Since it's already here, Palm Beach County residents should benefit from the jobs, new businesses and tax revenue gambling could bring, Aaronson said.

County commissioners see gambling and the Palm Beach Kennel Club as an economic engine for the area around Palm Beach International Airport. That's an area where the county hopes to encourage redevelopment, attract new businesses and provide jobs for downtrodden neighborhoods.

The Palm Beach Kennel Club, with more than 600 employees, attracts more than 750,000 people a year, according to the county.

"It's very important to us here," said Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, a former state legislator who sees expanding gambling at the kennel club, beyond dog racing and poker, as a way to boost jobs.

If the state allows more gambling, Aaronson envisions having a casino near Lake Okeechobee to help provide much-needed jobs for Pahokee, Belle Glade and South Bay, where unemployment hovers near 40 percent.

Gambling is allowed on daytime cruises to nowhere, and Aaronson suggested permitting gambling on ships that stay docked.

Last year, the Legislature failed to approve a measure to allow slot machines at the kennel club and other pari-mutuels. Palm Beach County officials hope to revive the proposal this year.

Pushing to expand gambling is among the marching orders approved Tuesday for the County Commission's lobbyists. The county plans to pay $230,000 for seven lobbying firms to push next year for state issues ranging from gambling to transportation.

County commissioners also plan to spend more time in Tallahassee this year lobbying in person for expanded gambling and other proposals.

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

LOBBYISTS HIRED

Palm Beach County plans to pay $230,000 for seven lobbying firms to push next year for state issues ranging from gambling to transportation.